Billy Edward Mills, 90, of Murphy passed away Friday, August 2, 2019 at his residence. He was a native and lifetime resident of Murphy. Ed was a World War II veteran in the United States Navy, serving on the USS Randolph. He then re-enlisted with the Air Force and was also a Korean War veteran. Ed worked as a cutting room supervisor with several local textile manufacturing companies. He later worked as a maintenance foreman with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, retiring in 1994. Ed was a member of Grandview Baptist Church. He enjoyed working on his farm, woodworking, fishing, and reading. Ed loved his family.

He was the son of the late Maynard Edward and Lula Hall Mills and the husband of the late Irene Jones Mills, who died June 18, 2003. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Lula Bell Ladig, Tommie Revis, and Jean Dockery; a brother, Clyde Mills; and a son-in-law, Johnny Rowland.

Surviving are a daughter, Betty Jean (B.J.) Mills Thompson of Murphy; a son, Richard E. Mills and wife, Beckie of Hazel Green, Alabama; a sister, Mary M. Cousins of Sarasota, Florida; a brother, Maynard Jack Mills and wife, Frances of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Brandon Mills and wife, Hollie of Fayetteville, Tennessee, Jessica Hood and husband, John of Raleigh, North Carolina, Erica Sickler and husband, Billy of Athens, Alabama, Stephanie Godfrey and husband, Ross of Toney, Alabama, Chris Thompson of Murphy, Michael Thompson and wife, Elizabeth of Titusville, Florida; ten great-grandchildren and another great-granddaughter any day; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Steve West officiating. The interment was in the Hanging Dog Baptist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812, and Hayesville American Legion Post 532. Pallbearers were Brandon Mills, Billy Sickler, Tyler Mills, Chris Thompson, and John Hood.

The family received friends from 6-8 Tuesday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Billy Edward Mills to the Murphy American Legion Post 96, PO Box 712, Murphy, NC 28906 or Friends of Harshaw Chapel, c/o Murphy First United Methodist Church, PO Box 86, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.